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Kline, Roe Issue Statements on NLRB Recess Appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. | January 4, 2012 -
U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Chairman Phil Roe (R-TN) issued the following statements after President Obama announced three recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB):

Chairman Kline:“President Obama’s stunning move to install not one but three new members to the National Labor Relations Board without a hearing or a vote in the United States Senate is an abuse of power and an affront to the will of the American people.

“For months, workers and employers have expressed outrage over the board’s job-destroying actions, and in response, the House of Representatives took definitive action to rein in the NLRB’s activist agenda throughtwopiecesof bipartisan legislation. Now, the president has taken matters into his own hands, unilaterally selecting new board members without allowing the Senate or the public any opportunity to consider their qualifications for this important position.

“Make no mistake – each and every decision issued by this board will be tainted by the president’s actions. I will continue to pursue aggressive oversight of the NLRB and take any action necessary to protect the rights of workers and employers.”

Chairman Roe:“The president has chosen to ring in the New Year by appointing three new members to the NLRB, ignoring the Congress’s right to advise and consent on presidential appointments. These backdoor appointments are the exact opposite of the transparency that this administration promised. The NLRB under President Obama has been a significant roadblock to job creation. I’m confident that these appointments signal more chaos for the American workforce.”

Earlier today, House and Senate education leaders met to discuss next steps to replace No Child Left Behind. At this meeting, the members agreed to recommend Chairman John Kline to chair the conferenc...... READ MORE